"Dereliction of duty, Angers." In the church clock tower, the Watcher poured Principal Angers a martini. "Giving the Ice Cellar researchers an early holiday, shutting down the security systems, changing the duty roster at the last minute so you'd be on duty alone, then leaving your post."
"Just what are you trying to do?" the Watcher asked.
"Cultivate the next generation. That is precisely my duty as principal of Cassell College," the principal said mildly.
"Cultivate the next generation? Like this?" The Watcher fell silent for a moment. "The largest mass-casualty incident since the college was founded. Dozens with severe burns and scalds, countless minor injuries. If Lu Mingfei hadn't shown up in time..."
"But he did show up." Principal Angers drained his martini. "Heroes are supposed to arrive at the last moment."
"He's a little better than you. At least he showed up, while you ran off to deal with politicians."
"The younger generation is growing rapidly. They're already capable of taking on the burden of protecting this world. All I need to do is smooth things over and handle logistics. As for the rest, let these young people with their limitless potential have free rein."
"You think Lu Mingfei is the leader of the new generation we've been waiting for," the Watcher said. "That boy-you have that much faith in him?"
"A great deal. He's already one of the most gifted young people in history. Perhaps 'one of' is unnecessary," Angers said. "Perhaps he can take the place of us two old men."
"Will he be the next principal?" the Watcher asked.
"It's too early to say. That would feel a little like an appointment by decree," Angers said. "But I believe everyone will choose him as their leader in the future."
"But there are too many complications